Printing and addressing machine



Dec. 25, 1934. H ELLIOTT 1,985,246

PRINTING AND ADDRESSING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 25, 1934- H. P. ELLIOTT PRINTING AND ADDRESSING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 WNW Dec. 25, 1934. H. P. ELLIOT T 1,935,246

PRINTING AND ADDRESSING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 /A it. u o /.?ZZ

W o 0 m2 l 1 /72 1 fl? e 928 M0 1 l t'w lye :2" 24 V 151226271701". E M8 I 5 W E U on 74 Mi? [6% Dec. 25, 1934. H, P. ELLIOTT PRINTING AND ADDRESSING MACHINE Filed NOV. 12, 1951 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 E2287? ior.

Dec. 25, 1934. H. P. ELLIOTT I PRINTING AND ADDRESSING MACHINE Filed Nov. 12, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Dec. 25, 1934 UNITED STATES T NT omc'E v Harmon P. Elliott, Watertown, Mass.

Application November 12, 1931, Serial No. 574,482

31 Claims.

of the sections are adapted-to be detached from the remainder of the bill for business purposes. One of the sections of, the bill may be longer than the other sections of the bill. In the machine of the above identified application an electrotype roll is used to apply on the bill the printed data common to all of the bills. Addressing mechanism using printing devices as stencils is employed to apply the same address on different sections of anyone bill and different addresses on the difierent bills. The bills are printed from a web of paper .which is advanced through the two printing positions by being continuously engaged with an endless driving face of the electrotype roll. Since the web mustbe stationary for q the printing of the addresses, the electrotype roll is advanced intermittently in the same direction. The advancing of the electrotype roll is effected by means of a multi-toothed ratchet fixed to the roll and which is engaged by a reciprocating pawl. Since one of the sections of the bill is longer than the other sections, the electrotype roll of said application is given a greater amount of movement at one time than at another time. The amount of movement is obtained by having the pitch space between two consecutive teeth of the ratchet greater than between other teeth and by providing the pawl with a throw at least equal to the greatest length between teeth. With this arrangement there is a considerable extent,

of movement of the pawl prior to its engage ment with the teeth having a short distance between them and thereby strikes these teeth with a hammer blow effect which is objectionable. Consequently, one of the objects of the present invention is the provision of a machine of the general type disclosed in my above identified application wherein the arrangement is such that the electrotype roll can be advanced intermittent- 1y by steps of equal length and that the teeth-of the cam are equally spaced.

With an electrotype roll constructed as above described, it becomes necessary to have means for compensating for the uniform steps of advance of the electrotype roll for printing a multisection bill wherein one section is longer than the other sections, or wherein the sections are of unequal length. To this end, it is a further object of the present invention to employ, in combination with the above described electrotype and sheet-advancing 10 mean or varying the amount of advance of the paper sheet through the addressing mechanism, by causing the sheet to advance either a greater or alesser amount than is provided by each intermittent movement of the roll, so that the addresses are applied to the bill sheet the proper distance apart.

In carrying out this object of the invention, mechanism is provided which acts on the] paper sheet between the printing and addressingpositions to lengthen and shorten the length of the path of the paper movement between these positions in an automatic and predetermined manner. The arrangement is such that when the mechanism operates to lengthen the path, it draws a certain amount of paper through the addressing position in addition to theamount drawn by-the feed roll and, when the mechanism operates to shorten the path, the feed r011 draws a certain amount of paper from the path without advancing paper through the addressing position. For a bill having a long first section and successive shorter sections, the length of travel of the bill sheet is increased during the time that the electrotype roll is moving to print a portion of the first bill section. Consequently a longer length of paper isadvanced through the addressing position than is directly advanced bythe electrotype roll, so that the bill sheet is brought into proper position for the printing of theaddress on the first bill section. At the time the electrotype roll is next advanced, for the printing of thenext and shorter bill section, the length of the path of the bill sheet is shortened so that the length of paper that is drawn through theaddress posi-' tion is less than the amount of movement of the electrotype roll and consequently thebill sheet is in proper position to receive the second address. Such an arrangement constitutes a further object of the invention.

The sections of the bill are madev detachable from each other by a line of .scoring which extends transversely of the bill between the sections. Some bills have but a single score line between two of the consecutive sections .while others may. have score lines between each two consecutive sections. In scoring or perforating the first type of. bill, the scoring mechanism can be located between the electrotype roll and the paper feed compensating mechanism, while for the second type of bill the scoring mechanism is located between the paper feed compensating mechanism and theaddressing mechanism. A machine adapted to receive the perforating mechanism in either one of these two positions comprises a further object of the present invention.

Accuracy of registration between the addresses and the printed matter of the bills is essential. Over-travel of the electrotype roll may impair accuracy of registration. Consequently a further object of the invention is the provision of mechanism which positively holds the electrotype roll against over-travel from the positions in which it is successively moved.

A further object of' the invention. is generally to improve the construction and operation" ofbill printing and addressing machines.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the bill printing and addressing machine embodying-thepresent Fig: 5- is a diagrammatic view similar "to Fig. 3

and illustrating the'rel'ative relation of the essential parts of the apparatus of the modification Fig; dis a section taken along line 6--6'of Fig. 1, and" illustrating particularly the electrotype and platen rolls.

Fig. 7 is a" longitudinal sectional" view of the ele'ct'rotyperolltakenalong line- '7-'? of Fig. 6.

Fig; 8*is an'endviewof the electrotype roll taken along line 8-8 ofFig. 7-.

- Fig; 9"i's' a view'taken along line 9'-9-of Fig.7;

Fig; 10"is a View of'a' completed printed and addressed billcomprising one of the products of the" present machine;

Fig. 1 1 is a viewof abillsimilar to the'one illustrated'i'n' Fig. 1 except that it has lines of perforations'between' each two consecutive sections.

Fig: 12 isa plan view'of an address bearing bill sheet priorto'" printingthe body of the bill thereon.

Fig. 13 'is 'an end elevation of the-sheet-feedcompensating mechanism, taken along line 13L13-of-Fig; 2.

Themachine here shown includes a table- 16 having extended longitudinally thereof a stencil traclc'l'fi along which stencils 20 are =-ad'vanced in successive-order from a stencil holder 22 and delivered toan elevating mechanism 24 which delivers-the stencils into astenciI- receiver 26; The-successive lowermost stencils in the stencil hold'er 22are moved from the pile into and along the track by a stencil: pusher 28' which: has a releasable connection" with a pusher-reciprocating connecting rod 3ll that is reciprocated by an arm 32. Said arm in turn is reciprocated by a cam member'34v' connect'ed to a'shaft 36 that is recipro cated by-a' connecting rod-38 from asuitable powermechanism 450 Mechanism, illustrated; in. my aboveidentifiedi'application andinot herein shown, is provided to: break: and. establish connection between the pusher 28 and the connecting: rod 30 so thatatstencil is moved from the stencil holder into the track: onlyafter' a. predetermined number of reciprocatory' movements of. the connecting rod: For-the printing-of thebill illustrated therebetween upon a web or sheet 46 of paper located under the stencil track.

The bill sheet 46 is contained in a roll 48 freely supported in bearings 50 of the frame of the machine. The sheet is withdrawn from the roll byco-acting upper'and lower rollsl and 52, between the bite of which the paper sheet passes.

The roll 52 is constantly driven at a peripheral speed: which. is. slightly in excess of the average rate of advance of the sheet through the addressing and: printing portions of the mechanism so thatthe. paper formsinto a loop 54 which gradually lengthens. The feed of the paper at this point can be arrested momentarily by raising the paper roll 51 from pressure engagement with the sheet on the roll 52 by depressing the lever 56 and holding it depressed until a suificient amount of paper has been withdrawn from the loop. The paper sheet passes out of the loop over a guide roll 58' and thenceto'the right under the stencil track and through the printing position where itpasses'around' a bar 60 and thence passes to the eft still underthe stencil track: and betweentheplaten 42and the printing roll 44 of the ad-' dressing mechanism-andito the engagement of: the upper electrotype roll 62 and lowerplaten roll" 64", where the printed data on the body of the billis-applied.

Thebill 66: illustrated in Fig. comprises a long section 68 and consecutive shorter sections 70, 72 and 74,.which4 shorter section'smay or may not be equal in lengths The particular bill: of. Fig-:10 is provided with: a: line of scoring or-perfo. rations. '76 which extendtransversely of the bill. betweenv the long sectiom 68- and the: first: short section. 70; there. being no perforations between the sections. 7(lLandlY-2;v and 72.:and 74'. In. Figill' there is a line of; scoring or perforations; between each. two contiguous sections; The. body of the bill: has: printed matter'78 thereon which-.isconrmon to. ailiof: the bills? although thexprinted matter; may be diiierent' at least part: in: the vapriousa sections; of each. bill; Each= billsa-lso: bears the address. matter 80.. which is; duplicated: in the various; sections of the bill; Successive bills, however, havedifferent. addresses. The address matter may also include; other matter 82 suchas, the-base rate-forservice.-. The address matter, must be in accurate registration! with the; printed matter -7 8-not only in any one bill but insuccessive bills; The address; matter is; contained in the stencils and is applied whilethesheet, is held. stationary in addressing. position between the platen 42v and the printing roller 44; and is applied as. shown in- Fig. 12 prior tothe printing of. the common data 7-8 on the bill. Since the section-Bt-ofi the bill is longer than the other sections thereof, iteis apparent that the. bill sheet, must be moveda greaterdistance from the'end of the section 74; of one bill to the addressing position onthe section 80 of the next succeeding bill, than it is to-be moved for applying the addresses to the shorter sectionscof the bills.

In my above named application, the electrotype roll, which carries the electrotype for printing. the common data 78, and the cooperating platen roll are advanced intermittently by steps of. variablelength suflicient to advance the paper the various distances that are necessary to position the paper sheet in proper position to receive the addresses thereon. In accordance with the present invention, however, the electrotype and platen rolls are advanced intermittently by steps of equal. length and other means are provided' to compensatefor the, at times insufficient l key' to one end of that is journalled above and at other times over-sufficient, extent of vance of the sheet by the electrotype rolls. The electrotype roll, see Figs. 1, 6, '7, is providedwith means for holding on its periphery electrotype plates 84 which print the common data '18 on the body of the bill. The electrotype roll comprises a sectional'drum 86 secured to a hub 88 that is fixed by a key 90 to a sleeve 92. "Said sleeve is rotatably supported on a shaft 93 journalled in upstanding bearing brackets 94 of the frame of the machine. A flange 96 is secured to said hub atoneside of the drum 86 and carries a gear 98 that 'r'n'eshes" with a similar gear 100 fixed to the shaft 102 of the cooperating platen roll so that the two rolls rotate together. The drum 86 of the electrotype roll is provided with a continuous peripheral flange 104 which, preferably is knurled, and is in constant engagement with thepaper sheet between it and the platen roll so that the paper sheet is caused to advance whenever the electrotype and platen rolls are advanced. The electrotype roll is advanced by intermittent steps of equal length by the oscillatory movement of the shaft 93. A- ratchet 106 is fixed by the the sleeve 92 partly within the gear 98. The ratchet, see especially Fig. 8, is provided with four teeth 108 which are equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the ratchet. The shaft 93 has an arm 110 fixed thereto and pivotally carries at its free end a pawl 112 having a detent 114 that is adapted to engage any one of the teeth 108 of the ratchet. A spring 116 is extended between the free end of the pawl and an extension 118 of the arm 110 to maintain the detent in constant engagement with the ratchet.

The amount of oscillatory movement of the shaft 93 is such as to move the detent 114 just behind all of the successive teeth 108 of the ratchet so that, upon rotary movement of the shaft 93 in the opposite direction, the ratchet and consequently the electrotype roll is caused to be advanced onefourth of a revolution. Oscillatory movement is imparted to the shaft 93 by means of a pinion gear 119 which is fixed'to the shaft and is in mesh with the teeth of a rack 120, .which rack is vertically reciprocable in grooves in the table 16 and also in an extension 122 of one of the bearing brackets 94. Therack is reciprocated by means of a connecting rod 124 which is adjustably screw-threaded at its upper end in a yoke 126 that is pivotally connected by a screw 128 to the rack. The lower end of the connecting rod is screw-threaded adjustably in an eccentric strap 130 that encircles an eccentric 132 fixed to the drive shaft 134. The screw-threaded connections between the eccentric strap 130 and'yoke 126 are respectively right and left hand so that the effective length of the connecting rod can be varied thereby to vary the positions in which the electrotype roll is held at rest.

The shaft 134 is supported in suitable bearings beneath the table 16 and is driven through a chain 136 by the power mechanism 40 in timed relation with the operation of the stencil printing and moving mechanism. The shaft 134 also drives through a pinion gear 138 and an idler gear 140, a large gear 142 fixed to a counter-shaft 144 the table 16. Said shaft operates the stencil elevating mechanism 24 and various other essential components of the machine as will presently appear. The electrotype roll is inked by inking rolls 146, see Figs. 1 and 6, which, as in my prior engagement with the electrotype roll just prior to the start of its movement and out of-engageapplication, are moved into. lesser distance than it is ment with said roll at the time it stops rotating. The mechanism for controlling such movement of the inking rollsincludes a four-lobed cam 148 fixed to and rotatable with the shaft 144. Since, in the present invention the-electrotype roll advances by steps of equal length, the distances between-the successive lobes of the cam 148 are equal.

Since the electrotype roll advances the bill sheet by steps of, equal extent, mechanism is provided to compensate for such equal steps by causing the paper sheet to advance sometimes more and sometimes less than the extent of movement provided by the electrotype roll, whereby to convert such movement of the sheet into steps of different length. Such mechanism is illustrated especially in Figs. 1, 3 and 13. The paper feed compensating mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 150, is located between the electrotype rolls and the address printing mechanismand includes a roller 152 that is located beneath the paper sheet. Said roll is journalled in upstanding guide members 154 that are slidable in guide brackets 156 secured to the base 16 on opposite sides of the paper sheet. Said guide members are provided with outstanding pins 158 at their upper ends on which rollers 160' are journalled. Said rollers are received in elongated slots'162 of arms 164 that are fixed to a shaft 166 journalled in extensions of said guide brackets. The shaft 166 with its arms 164, when raised and lowered, provides means to raise and lower the paper engaging roll 152. Idler rolls 168 and 170 are extended between and are journalled in the guide brackets 156 above the paper sheet and on opposite sides of the sheet-raising roll 152. It is apparent that if said roller 152 is raised from a lowered position into, say, the position illustrated in Fig. 13 at the same time that the electrotype roll is advanced one-step, or subsequent the advance of the roll andprior to'the operation of the stencil printing mechanism,.the paper sheet will be deflected laterally and thence moved through the addressing position by an amount which is in excess of the amount caused by the movement of the electrotype roll- Furthermore if the paper-feed compensating or deflecting roll 152 is lowered during 'themovement of the electrotype roll, a lesser length of paperwill be drawn through the adressing position than is advanced'by the electro-' type roll, the difference being made up by causing the electrotype roll to, draw paper from the length of paper between it and the idler roll 168 and over the depressed roll 152. Thus in the addressing of the first or longsection 68 of the bill sheet, the electrotype roll advances to advance the paper sheet apart of the required distance and the paper-feed compensating roll 152 is elevated sufficiently to advance the paper-sheet the remaining distance required to positionthe address at the proper place on the bill sheet to register with the common matter printed by the electrotype roll. Since the; second section '70 of the bill is shorter than the peripherallength of movement of the electrotype roll, in its second; advance the roll ordinarily would advance much through the addressing position. Consequently the paper-feed compensating roll 152 is lowered a sufficient amount to equalize or com-' pensate for the paper feed so that the paper sheet is advanced through the addressing position a advanced under. the electrotype roll. At sometime between the beginning of theadvance'of the electrotype roll for,

the paper sheet too the. printing.- of the third bill sectionan-d the: on

eration of theaddressing: mechanism. the roll 152' is moved a. further. distance: downward by an. amount sufficient tocausethe succeeding address to be printed in theproper place on the sheet; The positions of." the. paper-sheet compensating roll 152 are. controlled by a cam-1.72. fixed to a.

shaft 174 driven by gears 176 from the drive shaft 144 and operating insuitably timed relation with the electrotype. roll and the associated component parts of the machine. The camrotates in engage-,

ment with a roll 1'18 journalled ona screw 180;

fixed to an arm 182v which. is loose on the shaft 166. and bears against. and is secured to an arm 164 thereof. The securing means comprises a screw 1.84 that is'screw-threaded in the arm 164 and: is disposed in a transversely-elongated slot .186. so that the supporting frame for the roll 152 can be raised and lowered with respect to the cam and cam. roller. This construction provides means for obtaining an initial adjustment of the length of the paper path between the printing positions of the electrotype roll and the addressing mechanism and thus obviates the necessity for accurately setting said mechanisms the requisite distance apart.

The earn .172 is provided with as many lobesas there are sections of the bill to be printed. In the present instances, since the bill has four sections, the cam has four lobes 188, 190, 192 and 194, the lobes being of such successively different heights as are sufficient to position the paper sheet in the proper location to receive the successive addresses. When the electrotype roll rotates for the l printing of a part of the first section of the bill the cam rotates to pass the roller 178 from the lobe 194 to the lobe 188. This action raisesv the paperfeed compensating roller 152 and thereby draws a length of paper through the addressing position in addition to the amount: drawn by the electrotype roll. On the next movement of the electrotype roll the lobe 188 passes out from under the roller 178 and permits this roller to drop upon the next lower lobe 190. so'that a shorterlengthof paper is moved through the addressing. position than is advanced by the electrotype roll, the diiference being drawn from the path of sheet-travel between the electrotype roll and the addressingv position, the length of which path is shortened by the descent of the compensating roll 152. During the next advance of the electrotype roll the next succeeding lobe 192 of the cam comes into action and so on until a complete bill has been addressed and printed. The cam 172 need not rotate precisely in phase with the electrotype roll but the action of the cam should takeplace prior to the operation of the stencil printing mechanism so that the paper is stationary at the time the addresses are printed. It will be noted that the paper sheet is constantly engaged by the driving face of the electrotype roll and that this roll effects the advance of the paper although, by changing the length of the path of the sheet between the electrotype roll and the addressing position, the action of the electrotype roll in advancing the sheet is modified to compensate for the different lengths of advance of the sheet that are necessary for the address of the respective sections of the bills.

In order to prevent over-travel of the electrotype roll and thereby of the paper sheet, mechanism is provided which releasably engages the roll and positively looks it against undesired advance due to itsinertia. This. mechanism is illustrated neeaaae in ;Figs. .6, "l and 9 v The. sleeve I 92- 'of the. electror type roll 'hasfixed thereto a ratchet196whichhas four equally spaced teeth 198 thereon; Alocking arm200 is pivoted at 202'to'a bracket 204 which is. secured to one of the bearingbrackets 94 and is secured in vertically-adjusted position, by screws 206. which are threaded into the'bracket. 204- and passed through vertically-elongated slots 20.8 the'bracket204. The locking arm 200 has a detent 21.0 which is adapted to engage any one of the teeth 1.98thereby to hold theelectrotyperoll from rotation. The locking arm is urged constantly into lockingposition with the ratchet by a spring-212. The locking arm is moved away from holding engagement with the ratchet bya cam 21.4 which is fixed to the oscillating shaft 93 of the electrotype roll and engages a roller 216. of the locking arm. When the shaft 9?: is re,- ciprocated-in a clockwise direction, Fig. 8-, so as to. cause the detent 114to engage the next following tooth 108 of the ratchet 106, the cam 214 is positioned under roller 216 and therebyholds the locking, arm 20.0 away from engagement with its ratchet. During the firstpart of the following movement of the shaft 93 in. the following direc tion, thereby to advance the electrotype roll, the cam 214 maintains the locking arm away from engagement with theyratchet. so that the tooth of. theratchet can pass under the detent 210. Prior to the full advance of the electrotype. roll andratchet;. however, the campasses from under the cam roller 216. and permits; the locking arm to move; into. position in front of the tooth and thereby prevents the electrotype roll from advancing; a materially greater distance than it is definitely advanced by the shaft 93.

After the bill strip passes through. the electro type andplaten rollers, it isv severed between. successive bill forms by-a. knife 2.18, see Figs. 1 and. 2.. The. knife is operated from a. cam .220 carried; by the shaft 144' inthe manner described in myoiigginal..application.- I I The bill form has a line of perforations extended transverselyacross-it between certain of the sec-- tions. In Fig. 10, the bill has a single line of perforations Yd-between the long section 68 and, the first shortv section '70. The perforating or scoring mechanism includes an arm. 222. pivoted on a. bracket 22.4 and :operated and reciprocated' by a cam 226. Saidi arm operated cam carries, a. toothed. blade 228 that is located above the paperand is depressible intoa slot in an. anvil 230, dis,- posed therebeneath. For perforating. the bill; ofv Fig. 10, the perforating device is located between the electrotype. roll and the paper-feedcompemsating. mechanism as illustrated in Figs. 1. and 2. Whemhowever, the bill sheet is provided with linesof. perforations located between each two consecutive sections of the bill as illustrated in- Fig. 11, the perforating mechanism is disposed between the paper-feed compensating mechanism and the stencil printing mechanism as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 where the extent of paper movementnnder the perforating plate is the sameas between the address printing mechanism for: each. section;

I. claim:

1. A bill printing and addressing machine havaddressing mechanisms including sheet adlengths, printingmechanism for printing the samev data on different billsincluding printing means which is successively intermittently operated to print successive equal lengths of data on the bills, and "sheet-advancing means including means which advances the bill sheetintermittently by steps of equallength at said printing mechanism and other means which advances the bill sheet intermittently by steps of different lengths at said addressing mechanism.

3; A bill printing and addressing machine having addressing mechanism for printing'repeti- 'tionsof the same address on different sections of the same bill and different addresses on'different bills, some of the sections being of different lengthsgprintlng mechanism for'printing the same'data on differentbills including a rotary printing roll, means for advancing said roll intermittently by successive steps of equal length, and sheet advancing mechanism including means whichadvances the bill sheet intermittently by steps of equal length through said printing roll and other means which advances the'bill sheet intermittently bysteps of different length through said addressing mechanism.

A bill printing and addressing machine having addressing mechanism for printing repetitions of the same address on different sections of the same' bill and different addresses on different bills, some of the sections being 'of different lengths, printing, mechanismfor printing the same data ondifferent bills including a rotary printing roll, means for advancing said roll' intermittently by successive steps of equal length, and sheet advancing mechanism including means which" advances the bill sheet intermittently by steps-of equal length at'said printing roll, and other means which converts the intermittent advance of thesheet by steps of equal length to an intermittent advance by steps of different length at said addressing mechanism. 5. A bill printing and addressing machine-having addressing mechanism for printing repetitions of the same address on different sections of the same bill and'different addresses on different bills, some of the sections *being of different lengths, printing mechanism for printing the same data on different bills, and mechanism including means for advancing a bill sheet intermittently at said printingmechanism by steps 'of equal length and other means for advancing the bill sheet intermittently at said addressing mechanismby steps of different lengths.

6. A bill printing and-addressing machine having addressing mechanism for printing repetitions of the same address on different sections of the same bill and different addresses on different bills, some of the sections being of different lengths, printing mechanism for printing the same data on different bills, and mechanism for advancing a bill sheet intermittently at ,said printing-'mechanismby steps'of equal length and atsaid addressing mechanism by steps of different lengths, said sheet advancing mechanism ineluding means which advances the bill sheet through both said printing and addressing mechanisms and has means; for advancingthe sheet intermittently by steps of equal length, and. means which modifies the lengths of said steps at said addressing mechanism.

'7. A bill print.ng and addressing mach'inehaving addressing mechanism for printing repetitions of the same address on different sections of the same bill and different addresses on different bills, some of the sections being of different "lengths, printing mechanism for printingfithe same data on different bills, and mechanism for advancing a bill sheet intermittently at said printing mechanism by steps of equal length and ,at'said. addressing mechanism by steps of-differentlengths, said sheet advancing mechanism including means which acts to advance the bill sheet;through both said printing and addressing-mechanisms intermittently by steps of equal length, andmeans for converting such movement of the sheet into "an intermittent advance by steps of different length at said address-ng :mechanism.

8. .A bill printing and addressing machine comprising mechanism for printing the same data on successive b.ll sheets, addressing mechanism for applying addresses on successive bill sheets, and means for advancing the bill sheet intermittently by steps of equal length through said printing mechanism and by steps of unequal length through said addressing mechanism so that said'addressing mechanism is caused to applyvaddresses at different distances apart on the bill sheet in register with the printed data thereon. 1 1 Y 9. A bill printing and addressing machine comprising 'intermittently-operative "printing mechanism for printing the same data on successive bill sheets, addressing mechanism for applying different addresses to successive bill sheets and repetitions of the same address to anyone bill sheet, and means to advance a billsheet through both mechanisms and through the printing mechanism intermittently by steps of ferent" addresses on different bills, some of the sections being of different length, intermittently:- operated printing mechanism for print.ng the same dataon successive bi1ls,'means for advancing-the sheet through-both mechanisms including means-for advancing the sheet intermittently by steps of equal length through said printing mechanism, and means which provides dfierent lengths of travel ofthe sheet between said mechanisms for' 'cau'sing 'the sheet to advance interittently by- 'steps of different lengths through 'saidaddressing mechanism. i

11.'A bill printing and addressing machine having intermittently-operated addressing mech anismfor printing repetitions of the same ad: dress on different portions of the same bill and different addresses on different bills, some of the sections being of dfierent lengths, intermittentlyoperated printing mechnism for printing the same data 'on successive bills, means foradvancing the sheet through both mechanisms includiin'g'means'for' advancing the sheet intermittently by steps of equal length through said printing mechanism, and means which at times lengthens "and-at other times shortens theipath oftravel of the sheet between said mechanisms'f'or causing'the sheet to advance intermittently by steps :of different lengths through said addressing machine.

12. A bill printing and addressing machine having intermittently operated addressing mechanism for printing repetitions 'ofthe same address on diiferentportions" of the same'bill and different addresses on difie'rent bills, some of the sections being of difierent length, intermittentlyop'erated printing mechanismior printing the same data on successive bills, means for advanc ing the sheet through both mechanisms including means for advancing the sheet intermittently by steps of equal 'length through said :printi'ng mechanism; and -means"wh'ich reciprocaties I ti'ans' versely of-and in engagement with the sheet a'nd whichraises and lowers a portionof t'h'esheet between said mechanisms Tor -causing the sheet to advance intermittently by steps 'of' dif ferent length throughsaid addressing machine.

1-3. A bill printing 'and'addressing machine for printing common data on successive bills-and difierentlyspaced addresses on the bills; comprising printing'mechanisin, addressing mechanism, said printing mechanism including means-faredvancing a sheet therethrough including sheetfeed rolls, means for operating said rolls to advance the sheet through said printing mechanism by steps of equal length, and means for causing the sheet to advance through said addressing mechanism intermittently by steps of different lengths including amember disposed between said mechanisms upon which the sheet is in'oved, and means for holding said member in positions of different elevations whereby to change the length of the path of travel of the sheet between said mechanisms.

14 A bill printing and addressing machine for printing common data on successive bills and diiferently-spaced addresseson the bills, comprising printing mechanism, addressingm'echanism, said printing mechanism having meansfor advancing a sheet therethrough including sheetfeed rolls, means for operating said rolls to advance the sheet by steps of equallengthy-and means for causing the sheet to advance through said addressing mechanism intermittently by steps of dififerent lengths including'a member disposed between said printing and addressing mechanisms upon which the sheet is moved, and arranged to assume any one of-several differently elevated positions, and means operating at predetermined positions of said printing mechanism for determining theelevation of saidmember, whereby to change the length of the path of ti avel of the sheet between said mechanisms.

15(Printing mechanism comprising the combination of intermittently-operated addressing mechanism, means for advancing a sheet through said mechanism, means for operating said advancing means to advance the sheet intermittently by steps of equal lengths, and means to convert such advance of the-sheet into an intermittent advance by steps of unequal lengths at said addressing mechanism.

l'fiiPrinting mechanism comprising the combination ,of intermittently-operated addressing mechanism, means for advancing a sheet through saidmechanisin, means for operating said advancing' means to advance the'sheetintermittently by steps of equal lengths, andshet-i'movement converting means which changes the length of 'the steps in said addressing mechanism.

17. Printing mechanism 'comprising "the combination of intermittently-operated addressing mechanism, meansfor advancing'a sheet through said mechanismpmeans for operating sa-id advancing means to advancethe sheet intermittently by steps of equal lengthsganfinieans to ca'use the sheet to advance thrdugh said mechanism by steps of unequal length,- including means" providing difierent lengths of travel of the sheet between said advancing meansfandsaid addressing mechanism.

- 18; Printing mechanism "including vthe= combination of addressing mechanism, means for? advancin'g a sheet" through "said 1 mechanism, means for operating said advancingmeans to advance the sheet thereat intermittently by steps of equal length, :and means f or". causing the sheet; to advance by steps or diiferent lengths through "said mechanism including a member disposed between zsaid advancing means and said mechanism and upon which the sheet moves and adapted to be catedin any one of several elevations to support thesheet thereat, and means operating in timed relation with the operation of said advancing means for raising and lowering said member.

19. Printing mechanism-including the combination of reciprocating address-ing'mechan-ism, a

feed roll for advancing a sheet throughsaid mechanism, means for advancing said roll intermittently by steps of equal-length, and mechanism for causing thesheet-to advance through saidad-dressing mechanism by steps of unequal tently by-steps of different length -i-ncluding a roller locatedbetween -said-ieed roll and said mechanism and adapted tobe raisedan-dlowered under the sheet to raise'and-lower the sheet, and meansoperating in timed'relation with therotation of said feed rollfor raising-said roller in-tda plurality of --dii-ferentelevations and -for lowering the roller therefrom. V V t v 21. Printing mechanism-includingthe combination of reciprocating addressing mechanism, -;a

feed roll for advancing a sheet through-said mechanism, means for advancing said roll, and

mechanism for-causing said-sheet to -advance through said addressing mechanism 1 intermittently by steps" of different-length including a roller located betweensaid feed roll-and said mechanism and adapted to be raised and lowered under the sheet to raiseand lower the sheet, idler rolls disposedabove the sheeton opposite sides of said roller, 'and'means operating :in timed relation with the rotation-oi said feed rollior raising said roller-intermittently into-a plurality of different elevations and for lowering the roller therefrom and for thereby raising andlowering the sheet between-said idler rolls. i

22. Printing mechanism including the-combination of reciprocating addressing mechanism,-a feed roll for advanci-nga sheet through said mechanism, means for advancingsaid-roll, a roller located between -saidfeed rolland -said ,mechan-ismand--adapted -to-be raised and-flowered under the sheet to raise and lower the sheet,

a reciprocable frame supporting said roller, a stepped cam for holding said frame at times stationary in positions of different elevation, and means for rotating. said cam and said feed roll in timed relation. I p

23. Printing mechanism including the combination of reciprocating addressing mechanism, a feed r011 for advancing a sheet through said mechanism, means for advancing said roll intermittently by steps of equal length, a roller located between said feed roll and said mechanism, and adapted to be raised and lowered under the sheet to raise and lower the sheet, a reciprocable frame supporting said roller, a pivoted arm having a variable connection with said frame by which the elevation of said roller can be adjusted without changing the angular setting of said arm, a cam acting on said arm to raise and lower it, and means for rotating said cam and said feed roll in timed relation.

24. Printing mechanism comprising the combination of addressing mechanism, feed rolls which advance a paper sheet through said mechanism, and a member which is located under and is engaged by the sheet between said feed rolls and said mechanism which rises intermittently into positions of different elevation and falls therefrom to raise and lower the sheet by different amounts and to control the movement of the sheet through said mechanism. 7

25. Printing mechanism comprising the combination of addressing mechanism, feed rolls which advance a paper sheet intermittently by equal steps through said mechanism, and which converts the advance of the sheet by said feed rolls into steps of unequal length including a member which is located under and is engaged by the sheet between said feed rolls and said mechanism, and means including a stepped cam which operates in timed relation to the operation of said mechanism and which raises .and lowers said member and consequently the sheet to control the movement of the sheet through said mechanism.

26. Printing mechanism comprising the combination of addressing mechanism, feed rolls which advance a paper sheet through said mechanism, a member which is locatedunder and is engaged by the sheet between said feed rolls and said mechanism, and means including a stepped cam which operates in timed relation to the operation of said mechanism and which raises and lowers said member and consequently the sheet by amounts that are successively different to control the movement of the sheet through said mechanism.

2'7. Printing mechanism comprising the combination of addressing mechanism, feed rolls which advance a paper sheet intermittently by steps of equal length through said mechanism, and means to convert said equal steps into unequal steps including a member which is located under and is engaged by the sheet between said feed rolls and said mechanism, and means to raise and lower the sheet including a cam having steps of unequal height which operates in timed relation to the operation of said mechanism and which moves said member into positions of different elevation to control the movement of the sheet through said mechanism.

28. A bill printing and addressing machine having addressing mechanism for printing repetitions of the same address in different sections of the same bill and different addresses on differentbills, some of the sections being of different lengths, printing mechanism for printing the same data on different bills, and mechanism for advancing a paper sheet through said printing and addressing mechanism including sheet-advancing rolls comprising a part of said printing mechanism, and a member which is located under and is engaged by the sheet between said rolls and said addressing mechanism and which rises and falls in timed relation to the operation of said addressing mechanism and which raises the sheet by amounts that determine the position of the addresses on the sheet.

29. A bill printing and addressing machine having addressing mechanism for printingrepetitions of the same address in different sections of the same bill and different addresses on different bills, some of the sections being of different lengths, printing mechanism for printing the same data on different bills, and mechanism for advancing a paper sheet through said printing and addressing mechanism including sheetadvancing rolls comprising a part of said printing mechanism, and a member which is located under and is engaged by the sheet between said rolls and said addressing mechanism and which rises and falls in timed relation tolthe operation of said addressing mechanism and which controls the length of the paper sheet between said feed rolls and said addressing mechanism and thereby the position of the successive addresses on the sheet.

30. A bill printing and addressing machine having addressing mechanism for printing repetitions of the same address in different sections of the same bill and different addresses on different bills, some of the sections being of different lengths, printing mechanism for printing the same data on different bills, mechanism for advancing a paper sheet through said printing and addressing mechanism including sheet-advancing rolls comprising a part of said printing mechanism, and a member which is located under and is engaged by the sheet between said rolls and said addresstions of the same address in different sections of the same bill and different addresses on different bills, some of the sections being of different lengths, printing mechanism for printing the same data on different bills, and mechanism for advancing a paper sheet through said printing and addressing mechanism including sheetadvancing rolls comprising a part of said printing mechanism, and a member which is engaged by the sheet between said rolls and said addressing mechanism and which rises and falls to change the length of the path of travel of the sheet between said rolls and said addressing mechanism by amounts that determine the position of the successive addresses on the sheet.

HARMON P. ELLIOTT, 

